Pushkar, Rajasthan – The holy land of Lord Brahma
The renowned hindu pilgrimage Pushkar is just 11km from Ajmer. According to Padma Puran, the Hindu religious text, Lord Brahma was in search of suitable place for a Vedic yagna. While contemplating, a lotus fell down from his hand on the earth and water spurted from three places, one of them being Pushkar and Lord Brahma decided to perform his yagna over here. Hence was the creation of Lake Pushkar. The town derives its name from the lake, which is a sanctified spot and is referred to as the “Tirtha Raj”, that is one of the most admired pilgrimage of the hindus. The town Pushkar is situated around the beautiful lake and surrounded on three sides by hills, while the fourth side is separated by sands which have drifted from the plains of Marwar. On the bank of the Pushkar lake is the Brahma temple. This temple is the only temple in the whole country. So if you are tired of the cacophony of city life and want to rest your soul amidst the serene atmosphere in a spiritual environment then Pushkar is an ideal place to visit.
Places to see at Pushkar: This holy town of Pushkar is dotted with a number of religious spots.
Pushkar Lake
The devout Pushkar Lake is believed to have been created by the falling of a lotus from the hand of Lord Brahma. It is said to be as old as the creation itself. As per the Hindu Mythology there are Panch Sarovar (FiveLakes) namely, Man sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar. The lake is considered as one of the most sacred spots. The devotees believe that one dip in the waters of the lake on Kartika Poornima is equivalent to performing yagnas for several hundred years. The charming lake amidst the hills has fifty-two bathing ghats, built around the lake. The water around each ghat is supposed to have special healing power.
Brahma Temple
Brahma Temple is the main sight seeing spot of Pushkar. This temple is the only temple of Lord Brahma in the country. Lord Brahma is known as the creator of everything and therefore holds a position of importance among the Hindu deities. One of the most important religious spots Pushkar is revered greatly by the Hindus due to this BrahmaTemple
The beautiful structure of BrahmaTemple with a red spire distinguishes it from the other temples in Pushkar. This spectacular Temple is built with marble and its uniqueness is quite revealing. A Hans or Goose, the symbol of Lord Brahma, is seen at the entrance of the temple. The decorations of the temple of Lord Brahma include silver coins. A silver turtle adorns the black and white floor of BrahmaTemple.
The temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in Pushkar attracts a large number of pilgrims and tourists. The idol of Brahma is a full image with four hands and four faces. The faces of Brahma looking in the four directions symbolize the supervision of the Lord over the whole creation. The grandeur and magnificence of BrahmaTemple separates it from the other temples in Pushkar.
Varah Temple
The Varah temple is an oldest and significant temple of Pushkar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu in the incarnation of a wild boar (Varah). The temples of Lord Brahma and Varah are considered equally important. This ancient temple is believed to have been built by Chauhan King Anaji (1123-1150). Destroyed by the Ghazni it was reconstructed by Gokul Chand Parikh, a Scindia minister in 1806. Mythologically, a very important temple, it is believed that Lord Vishnu came on the earth in the incarnation of Varah (Wild boar) to kill the demon Hirnayaksh, who stole the Vedas from the gods. Lord Vishnu decided to liberate the land from his torture.
Savitri Temple
Located at Pushkar, this temple enshrines the deity Savitri. Goddess Savitri is the wife of Lord Brahma. This temple is built in a picturesque location, on the top of a hill. After ascending stairs we come to the door-steps of the temple. From this point, the tourists get to see the beautiful scenery of the surrounding lake and the landscape. The sand dunes that are found around the temple also attract the attention of the tourists.
Gayatri Temple
Gayatri Temple is another important temple among the host of 400 temples in the land of Pushkar. Gayatri was another wife of Lord Brahma. The origin of Gayatri lies in mythology. When Lord Brahma decided to perform a yagna (ceremonial sacrifice) he dropped a lous flower to determine the place. That is how the lake of Pushkar came into existence.
Mahadeva Temple
Mahadeva Temple in Pushkar is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva. The god is one of the Hindu Trinity that represents Creation, Sustenance and Destruction. According to the Hindu Puranas, Lord Mahadeva is the god of destruction.
Saraswati Temple
Saraswati temple is another important tourist attraction out of 400 odd temples in Pushkar. Saraswati is another wife of Lord Brahma. Literally ‘Saraswati’ means the flowing one. There are abundant references of Saraswati in the ancient Hindu scriptures and mythology.
Nearby attractions from Pushkar: Pushkar includes a number of nearby attractions.
Kishangarh
Kishangarh is 27 Kms north east of Ajmer and was founded by Kishan Singh, a Rathore Prince. In the 18th century, it attained fame as one of the finest schools of miniature paintings. Though a smaller school with a much shorter duration it had a more refined style. It peaked under the patronage of Savant Singh, an heir to the throne who later became a hermit. It is said that Savant Singh modelled as Krishna while his mistress nicknamed as Bani Thani modelled for Radha. Paintings of Bani Thani are most celebrated. The artists of this school favoured evening lights and grey skies with fine colours. This outstanding school lasted only a few decades. Today the artists still create reproductions of the work. Kishangarh is now an industrial town for marble and textiles. It is connected by train and bus.
Tilonia
Tilonia is a small town 25 kms from Kishangarh near Ajmer and 7 kms off Jaipur-Ajmer highway. A distinctive feature of the town is Barefoot college, which began in 1972 with the conviction that solutions to rural problems lie within the community. The College, officially known as Social Work and Research Centre, addresses problems of drinking water, girl education, health and sanitation, rural unemployment, income generation, electricity and power, social awareness and the conservation of ecological systems in rural communities.
Things to do at Pushkar: The religious locations are worth exploring in Pushkar.
The Pushkar Cattle Fair is one of the largest in India and the only one of its kind in the entire world. During the fair, Lakhs of people from rural India flock to Pushkar, along with camel and cattle for several days of livestock trading, horse dealing, pilgrimage and religious festival.
This small town, becomes a cultural phenomenon when colourfully dressed devotees, musicians, acrobats, folk dancers, traders, comedians, ‘sadhus’ and tourists reach here during Pushkar fair. According to Hindu chronology, it takes place in the month of Kartika (October or November) beginning on ‘ashtmi’ 8th day of Lunar Calendar and continues till full moon (‘Poornima’). The camel and cattle trading is at its peak during the first half of festival period. During the later half, religious activities dominate the scenario. Devotees take dips in the holy “Sarovar” lake, as the sacred water is known to bestow salvation.
This small town is transformed into a spectacular fair ground, as rows of make shift stalls display an entire range of objects of art to daily utility stuff. Decoration items for cattle, camel and women, everything is sold together. Small handicraft items are the best bargain for buying souvenirs. The camel and horse races have crowds to cheer. Camel judging competitions are quite popular with animal lovers. Each evening brings different folk dances and music of Rajasthan, performers delivering live shows to the roaring and applauding crowds.
Pushkar fair has its own magic and it’s a lifetime experience for travellers. It has featured in numbers of travel shows, films and magazines. According to the Lonely Planet: “It’s truly a feast for the eyes. If you are any where within striking distance at the time, it’s an event not to be missed.”
Shilp Gram
During the fair, arts and crafts exhibition cum sale is organised at ‘Shilpgram’, situated at RTDC Tourist Village Campus. Crafts persons and artisans from all over Rajasthan and nearby states participate to exhibit and demonstrate their art and talent.
Best time to visit Pushkar: The city of Pushkar experiences very hot and sultry climate for most part of the year. The months from October to March is the best time to enjoy holidaying in Pushkar.
How to go ?
By Air
Nearest airport is Jaipur, which is connected with major cities. A newly built air strip at Kishangarh can cater to small charter flights. Helipad at Ghooghra (Ajmer) and Devnagar (Pushkar) can cater to clients travelling by helicopter.
By Rail
Ajmer is well connected by Rail to all important cities. Pushkar is just 13 kms away from Ajmer.
By Road
Ajmer is well connected to important cities of Rajasthan and country. Jaipur-135 Km., Delhi-405 Km., Mumbai-900 Km., Ahmedabad-520 Km., Jodhpur-205 Km., Bikaner-265 Km., Nagaur-16O Km., Jaisalmer-475 Km., Merta-80 Km., Bundi-180 Km., Kota-220 Km.
Where to stay ?
Pushkar has adequate accommodation facilities. Some options are:
Hotel Sarovar (RTDC): +91-0145-2772040
Hotel Goyal Inn: +91- 0145 -277 2922
Hotel Krish Palace: +91- 0145-2212-7715
Pushkar Villas Resort: +91-0145-2773640, 2772689, 2772093 Website: www.pushkarvillas.com
Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.
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